A huge blossom to the Monroe Optimist Club. >My children enjoyed both the bike rally last Saturday and also the fishing clinic held today, May 16. Fun was had by all. Monroe is lucky to have such a wonderful group of people who are willing to take time out of their busy days to not only fund raise to benefit local children but also to hold special events to teach kids things like bike safety and how to fish. My kids were lucky enough to take part in both of your recent events and they, along with quite a few other children appeared to have had a great time. Their smiles gave it away! Thank you to all who were involved. - The Wilhite Family>
A huge blossom to Peggy Dierickx and Rebecca Paris. >We are so proud of you young ladies. Here is to Peggy from your former Dairy Queen chairperson. Hats off to you, and job well done. You are still our princess. - Kenlyn Walmer, Leaora Miller, Tara Dailey and Julie Williams, Dairy Queen Chairperson for Green County.>
A blossom to all the students, parents and local businesses >that helped make Monticello's Prom and Post Prom a success. Your support in helping our kids stay safe by keeping them off the roads and alcohol free is very much appreciated. On the other hand, a barb to those parents who allowed "parties" >at their homes that night, defeating the whole purpose of planned post-prom activities. While no one can prove that alcohol was present at these parties, the temptation is more so there than at any school-sponsored activity. Please consider this for next year, as we love our students and want them around for a long time. - Monticello Mom>
A huge blossom to the Clarno 4-H group >who helped put on the Cook Out For a Cure to raise money for the Juvenille Diabetes Research Foundation. Many members of the club stepped up and donated in big ways, such as time and supplies. Also, a blossom to all the businesses and individuals that supported the day through monetary donations. With everyone's help we raised over $2000 for JDRF. Thank you! - The David and Krista Bethke family>
A huge barb to the person or persons who ran into or backed up in our vehicle >some time on Sunday, May 17, while it was parked at Piggly Wiggly, Wal-Mart or Vince's Restaurant. We would like you to know that you caused more than $2,000 in damage to the front passenger door. A note left on the windshield would have been a nice gesture. How would you like it if someone did that to your vehicle and drove away? If you can hit and run someone's unattended vehicle, it makes us wonder what else you are capable of. If anyone witnessed this crime, please report it to the Monroe Police Department. Thank you. - LC Kraus>
I would like to send a huge blossom to fifth-grader Kylie Moe >from Juda. She participated in the Junior NBA challenge held in Juda a few months ago. Five kids from Juda had qualifying times to go to the Bradley Center to compete. Out of 106,000 kids who tried out from the U.S. and Canada, only 24 kids made it to Orlando to compete for the national title. Kylie was one of the 24 kids who made it to Orlando. Not only did she make it, but she won it! She is number 1 in the nation (and Canada) for her age group. To me that is newsworthy (even if the Times doesn't think so). Way to go Kylie! I am very proud of you! - Trina>
Blossoms to the Monroe school board members >who voted with heavy hearts to support this cut (of the fourth band instructor position at Monroe Middle and High schools). I know it is important to some of them personally. I appreciate that they understand that some of us in the community cannot afford any more taxes for something that is nice but not necessary. - Lori V.>
A major barb to the woman in the red pickup truck >for Tuesday, May 12, at about 10:30 in the morning at 11th Street and 20th Avenue! I was behind her, staggered, as it is a one-way street, going east. Just prior to the stop, a little baby squirrel was doing everything it could to get across the street. This woman swerved over on purpose to hit the little thing. And did she. She crushed its back end, and this innocent little baby was forced to drag itself to continue the journey. All it was doing was minding its own business, living the life of a baby squirrel, but this woman saw fit to end it. Now, this little baby assuredly would have to suffer a painful death due to the sick actions of this woman What, has someone in her past done the same to her cat or dog? There was no excuse for this inhumane action and she should be ashamed of herself. - Disgusted>
Blossoms and bouquets go to assistant leader of Troop 203, Lenae Ambrose, and co-leader Kathy Lincicum >of Troop 229 for coordinating Monroe-area Girls Scouts leaders, parent helpers from Service Unit No. 1 from the Monroe, Juda and Monticello area and Boy Scout leaders, Ed Kennison Troop 115 and Jeff Everson Troop 180, parent helpers to assemble the memorial wreaths for veterans graves Monday evening at the United Methodist Church. Along with Cub Scout Packs 101, 112 and 114 and their Scout leaders and parents, the combined efforts of approximately 50 Monroe area scouts made 2,000 memorial wreaths that will be placed on veterans graves at Green County cemeteries on this Memorial Day weekend.
A special "blossom" to Monroe United Methodist Church >for allowing the scouts to use the Fellowship Hall for this worthwhile project, to honor our deceased veterans. Thank you from Zilmer-Riley American Legion Auxiliary Unit No 84 and Cecil Jones Auxiliary Unit of Post 2312. - Donna Douglas, president, Monroe American Legion Auxiliary Unit No 84 >
Blossoms to Monroe-area citizens> who contributed generously to the American Legion Auxiliary Poppy Day held in Monroe on Friday, May 15. A bouquet to all Monroe businesses that allowed us to distribute the poppies at their establishments. Special blossoms go to the Monroe Times for the outstanding coverage of this special event and Big Radio WEKZ for its continuing support of our organization's events that support veterans, their families and the troops serving our country. To our petals - the volunteer members - for devoting time to the distribution of the handmade red poppies. All monies received are designated to benefit veterans during the upcoming year for their direct needs and of veteran's families.The combined efforts and support of all of Monroe area citizens made our 2009 very successful. Our sincere thanks from the 2009 Poppy Days Committee: Joann Schwitz, Gladys Schild, and Frances Wells, Zilmer-Riley American Legion Auxiliary Unit No.84, Monroe - Donna Douglas, president, Monroe American Legion Auxiliary Unit No 84>
A special blossom to those who purchased our blossoms! >Thank you to all who supported Green Haven's 17th Annual Mother's Day Plant Sale by purchasing one (or more) of the nearly 1,200 plants that were sold! The exquisite plants grown by Ahrens Acres Greenhouse will be beautifying neighborhoods all summer long. With the economy such as it is, your support during this time is greatly appreciated. We value your assistance in addressing the increased requests for assistance! Our thanks also to Ahrens Acres Greenhouse, AMCORE Bank of Monroe, Roy's Market of New Glarus, First Banking Center of Albany, Monticello Village Hall and to all the many volunteers, who in whatever capacity, helped to make this years event a great success! - Alice Franks-Gray, Green Haven Executive Director>
A blossom to Stephen and Katee Eliasson, >who volunteered much of their time teaching Advanced Scene Study last Saturday at the Monroe Theatre Guild. Both Stephen and Katee, residents of Monroe, moved here to raise a family just a few years ago. Previously, Stephen traveled the world in the professional theatre and Katee worked professionally in Chicago theatre much of her life. Their theatrical talents and skills drew attendance of their class from as far as Madison to our very own Monroe Theatre Guild. What assets we have in the community with generous time provided professionals like Stephen and Katee. - Rick M>
A barb to City Hall. >Hire an administrator or not. City council, make up your mind. A few months ago you stated that it wasn't working and that you needed to hire one. Now you don'? Why is that. It's great to see that the chief and the other department heads are calling the shot in Monroe. By the way just where did this $40,000 magically appear from to fund a study on street and sidewalk funding? Hocus Pocus, is the rabbit coming out of the hat next? Way to keep your eyes open, speaking of which where's Menards?
A respectful barb to police chief,> with all this hoopla about the projected revenue shortage from the pulling of parking meters on the Square. Here's a novel idea, how about enforcing the law and issuing additional tickets that should have been issued in the first place? How about that, a safer community and the money to offset the projected shortage. Another way to save money and connect with the community would be to have random officers walking part of their shift at any given time or location. This would be a great way to meet and discuss the concerns of the residents and cut costs, as well.
Another respectful barb to this idea that most people think of cheese >when they think of Monroe. While cheese does play an important role in Monroe's past, present and future, I have found on my daily travels that the courthouse and the beautiful Square - and most importantly the friendly people - are what folks mention when they find out from where I hail. Speaking of downtown, we need to capitalize on the 9,600 autos that pass the Square on 9th Street and the nearly 6,600 that pass on 20th Avenue each and every day. Landscaping or not, we need to update our approach and bring in new customers with a fresh approach to the downtown. This will allow our businesses to grow and avoid the plight of other main street and downtown communities across the nation. Sitting on our hands and hoping for the best isn't going to cut it anymore. - T. Wilkens>
A blossom to the Square. >Where else can you get free movies, limberger cheese, fresh produce, diamonds, shoes, fishing licenses, wedding supplies, prescriptions, spanx, alterations, cookware, art, live music and theatre, stamps, free gift wrapping, puzzles, massage, play virtual golf, do your banking, cooking and art classes, pick up "that"; just steps from your car and all with great customer service? Demand only the best, rediscover the Square and all it offers! Shop local! - Peacock Among Penguins>
A blossom to Jerry Ellefson (superintedent of the Monroe Wastewater Treatment Facility) and his wife Ella >for conducting the 13th annual Honey Creek Cleanup Day. They take countless hours of their own time to promote the cleanup effort and coordinate the activity with the local Boy Scout troops. Because of their efforts in coordinating this event, and the volunteerism of the participants and the generosity of local businesses, the waters of the state have been vastly improved. - Bernie C. Robertson, P.E., Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources>
A bouquet of blossoms to the Monroe High School Band. >Your concert was fantastic! Despite all of the controversy surrounding you, you all put your heart and soul into the music and made it obvious why you are important. You sent Mr. Schilt off with a great last concert. You made me proud and wish that I could still be on that stage with you playing Carmina Burana. Well done, you all have bright futures ahead of you! - Proud Alumni>
